Crewe secure big victory over Crawley while Notts County drop to bottom
Saturday 16 March 2019 18:39, UK
Macclesfield hauled themselves off the bottom of Sky Bet League Two with a vital 2-0 win at fellow relegation strugglers Yeovil.
Both goals for Sol Campbell's side came in the first half, with James Pearson and Harry Smith on target, lifting the Silkmen above Notts County on goal difference and within three points of Yeovil.
County now prop up the table after being held to a goalless draw at home to Morecambe.
Crewe cruised to a 6-1 win over Crawley, who finished with 10 men at Gresty Road, and who took the lead via a 13th-minute penalty from Ollie Palmer.
The Railwaymen, though, turned things around before half-time as Jordan Bowery's equaliser in the 36th minute was swiftly followed by an own goal from Crawley defender Tom Dallison.
Chris Porter and Paul Green then struck within a minute of each other before the break to make it 4-1, with Charlie Kirk adding a fifth soon after the restart.
In the 80th minute, Ibrahim Meite was shown a straight red card for violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident with Nicky Hunt, just six minutes after coming on as a substitute. Owen Dale then completed the rout seven minutes from time.
A late goal from substitute Chuks Aneke gave third-placed MK Dons a 1-1 home draw against Stevenage, who had gone ahead on 30 minutes through Ilias Chair.
Exeter bolstered their play-off hopes with a 3-0 home win over top-seven rivals Colchester.
Matt Jay broke the deadlock just before the break, with Lee Holmes and Nicky Law wrapping things up during the second half.
Forest Green are a point ahead of the Grecians in sixth place after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Carlisle, who also harbour hopes of making the play-offs as they are a point behind the top seven.
Midfielder Reece Brown put the home side ahead on 31 minutes, but Nathan Thomas equalised early in the second half.
Aside from Notts County, there were also two other goalless draws involving Grimsby and Northampton at Blundell Park, and Swindon and Port Vale at the Country Ground.
Second-placed Bury had their home game against Cambridge postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Oldham, who saw Paul Scholes resign as manager on Thursday, were also unable to play as their home game with Tranmere was called off for the same reason.
Leaders Lincoln are away at fourth-placed Mansfield on Monday night.
